City of Blue Island City Council met May 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1) Call to Order
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Blue Island was called to order by Mayor Bilotto at 7:01 p.m. on May 23, 2023.
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Roll Call
4) Roll Call indicates the following:
Present: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Absent: 0
Present Also: 4
Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, City Clerk
Erin Blake, City Attorney
Thomas Wogan, City Administrator
Mark Patoska, Deputy City Administrator
Presentation of Journal of Proceedings
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the May 9, 2023, City Council meeting.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Rita mentioned correction on page two of the minutes.
5) Public Comment
5.23.23 Meeting Minutes
The Mission Covenant Church invited everyone to their 6/25/23 motorcycle blessing. They are also working on a block party for 7/29/23.
Longtime Blue Island resident, Mr. Madrigal, highlighted the sacrifices that all veterans made and urged everyone to attend the library's program for veterans as well as the annual Blue Island American Legion Post #50 Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park this Sunday at 11 am.
6) Old Business
No old business.
7) New Business
a. Proclamation – JR Bramlett.
Motion by Alderman Rita, second by Alderman Johnson to approve the Proclamation Relating to JR Bramlett.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Rita expressed thanks to Bramlett and introduced the Proclamation. Alderman Rita noted that he has been a close friend of the Ritas, an active volunteer who has contributed multiple trucks for different organizations, and a supporter of the City of Blue Island and Calumet Park.
The Mayor stated JR was born on March 16, 1943. He served in the United States Army for three years and served two years in the National Guard. He also served as Calumet Park's Director of Public Works. He has owned Airline Towing since 1968. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, he donated trucks to first responders. He has also donated generously to Blue Cap.
Mr. Bramlett thanked the council and stated that it was a tremendous pleasure to donate to the City and other municipalities, which serves to benefit all residents regardless of local leadership.
Alderman Johnson thanked JR for his generosity to the Untouchables.
8) Mayor's Report
5.23.23 Meeting Minutes
a. Presentation by David Birch of Wilderness Restoration Project (Stoney Creek).
The effort to clean Stoney Creek began on 3/27/23 and concluded on 5/15/23, with 247 bags of trash, 40 tires, and two 20 yard dumpsters of trash collected. Birch recorded hundreds of hours of his team working on the cleanup with a go pro and noted that he would eventually share the videos with the Council. Birch also expressed thanks to Crawford and Luster for assisting the project with waste removal.
b. Motion for Approval of Payroll for May 12, 2023, for $392,644.98 (gross).
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Carr to approve Payroll for May 12, 2023, for $392,644.98 (gross).
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
c. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated May 24, 2023, for $336,313.45.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to approve Accounts Payable for May 24, 2023, for $336,313.45.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
d. Motion for Approval of Manual Check to Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC in the amount of $15,223.71.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Montoya for Approval of Manual Check.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
e. Motion to Approve Mayoral Appointments.
Motion by Alderman Montoya, second by Alderman Rita for Approval of Mayoral Appointments.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor appointed the following people:
Civil Service - Kevin McKinnie
Historic Preservation - Colleen Walsh
Planning and Zoning - David Brown
Library Board - Tamela Martin, Mark Peters, and Michael Sinde
Police Pension Board - James Johanson, Wayne Wolf
Forestry Board - Lindsey Sinde
f. Motion to Approve Alley Program bid to Murphy Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $243,914.04.
Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Rita for Approval of Alley Program Bid.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Roll questioned why this offer is so much lower than the others. The Mayor stated Burke Engineering also noticed the significant difference, evaluated all the figures, and found that the bid appeared to be in order.
Alderman Fahrenwald stated that the alley north of Greenwood is in pretty good shape and wondered if it was included in the bid. The Mayor stated that alley is filled with gravel.
Alderman Johnson questioned Murphy's level of experience. The Mayor stated that all of their references were verified.
Alderwoman Rita wanted to know what line item the cost would be paid from for this project. The Mayor stated it would come from the Alley line item.
g. Resolution No. 2023-013: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approving the Proposal from VISIM Enterprises, LLC.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Johnson to TABLE.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 1
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Fahrenwald stated he is not in favor of the VISIM proposal as submitted. He suggested that the City do a broader search. He noted he had several questions regarding this proposal.
Alderman Roll noted that he agreed with Alderman Fahrenwald and wanted an economic plan developed, such the establishment of a board or commission to determine the businesses the City wishes to attract.
The Mayor emphasized that the City must make a decision by the next meeting because they have been discussing this for over a year. He asked the Aldermen to please direct any inquiries they may have about this proposal to him.
h. Resolution No. 2023-014: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approving a Settlement Agreement relating to 12751 Lincoln.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-014.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
i. Ordinance No. 2023-027: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Granting a Special Use Permitting Top Truck Sales, LLC to Operate Within the I-1 Limited Industrial District (2922 Wireton Road).
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Rita for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-027.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
j. Ordinance No. 2023-028: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Granting a Special Use Permitting Maven Automotive Consultants, Inc. to Operate within the I-2 General Industrial District (13840 South Harrison Avenue).
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Johnson for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-028.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
k. Ordinance No. 2023-029: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Granting a Special Use Permitting M & F Auto Repair Inc. to Operate within the I-2 General Industrial District (13846 South Harrison Avenue).
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman Fahrenwald for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-029.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
1. Ordinance No. 2023-030: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Amending Chapter 165 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Signs.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Johnson for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-030.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Rita asked that Howard Coppari explain the amendments to the Code.
Development Manager, Howard Coppari, walked through the amendments and indicated he would now have authority to deny certain signs such as animated, moving, flashing, painted, etc.
m. Mayor's Announcements/Comments.
The Mayor stated that the State Liquor Commissioner concurred with the City's decision to revoke Raven's and Vault's liquor licenses, and they have 20 days to appeal.
The Mayor noted that the City has some capital improvements coming up, such as alleys and bids for City Hall windows and doors, which are due at the end of the week.
The Mayor reported that IDOT has now issued one permit on Olde Western, for the project approved by the Council last year to upgrade walkways and lighting.
The Mayor informed the Council that the broadcast sewer test results were not too horrible. Public Works and Burke Engineering looked through the streets that do not require sewer repair alongside those that do, and they plan to complete it in two phases. The remaining of the streets will be televised in the fall. The City will attempt to go to bid early in 2024.
The Mayor stated that the MWRD $800,000 Green Water Grant will assist with repairing six to eight alleys.
The Mayor noted that they are working on another grant with MWRD, but that it is still in the early phases, which would address flooding issues in the northeast corridors.
Alderman Fahrenwald asked if the City could put a list of projects together for the next five years with their related costs for the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. The Mayor stated that Burke Engineering has all of those figures, and he will ask them to present it.
City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Clerk's Announcements
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the Blue Island Public Library will have a Veterans "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit with former Governor Quinn on 5/24/23 at 6 pm. A traveling hand-held portrait exhibit honoring Illinois service members who died in action since the start of the war on terror in 2001 will be included. It will also include 90 of our neighborhood hometown heroes.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, suggested that everyone mark their calendars for the annual flower sale/chalk walk on 6/3/23 on York and Western.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that Council Oak Montessori School is having their field day event 5/25/23 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, advised the City Council that the Blue Island Park District will open the pool this Friday; and she reminded everyone to sign up for swim lessons. In addition, on 6/3/23, the Park District will hold a yard sale in the park.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the Chamber of Commerce will also be having their golf outing on 6/9/23.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, announced that TGIF will return on 6/9/23, with music in the park, vendors, and a farmers' market.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, encouraged residents to set 7/1/23 aside for Fireworks at the Falls.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that there would be a free community yard sale this year on the first weekend of August 4-6th. The deadline to sign up for the event is 6/26/23 at the Clerk's office.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the Mission Covenant Church is having their motorcycle blessing on 6/25/23.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified the City Council that the Guildhaus is preparing a 5k run/walk on 9/24/23.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the vehicle city stickers are currently on sale.
Treasurer's Report
a. City Treasurer's Announcements/Reports/Comments
No report.
11) City Attorney's Report
a. Attorney's Announcements/Comments
No report.
12) City Administrator's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Administrator's Announcements/Comments
City Administrator, Thomas Wogan, stated that he distributed the City's expenditure report through 5/22/23. He noted that there is a line item relating to housing court that details what has happened in the last 30 days and how it relates to each Alderman's ward.
The Mayor noted that he attended housing court last month and met with one of the businesses at 12601 Western Ave. who hired a contractor to do their landscape. He also informed the Council that he rode with enforcement and had them issue citations to individuals who had not cut their grass. He noted that compared to last year, there was less noncompliance with grass cutting ordinances.
13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments
Alderman Rita wanted to express her gratitude to Mr. Wogan for giving a revenue expenditure report that was broken down by ward. She also noted that she still noticed problems in her ward with the bulk collection of items like mattresses, couches, etc. She asked how the City was informing residents regarding the new rules.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, stated that residents frequently stop by to pick up mattress covers so residents are aware of the changes.
Public Works Supervisor, Michael Schroeder, indicated that signs in both Spanish and English are distributed to households to notify them of the changes. He explained that to decrease workload and focus on other responsibilities, Public Works will only take up bulk goods if people call ahead of time and schedule a pick up. LRS also provided pictures and addresses to Public Works, informing them of the amount of bulk they had picked up. They do pick up toilets; but because there is only one employee on each route, they must be disassembled in two halves.
The Mayor stated the attorney's are working on the vacant property list.
Alderman Fahrenwald stated that he has spoken to his constituents regarding the bulk pick up changes.
Alderman McGee stated that that he too called one of the buildings in his ward and notified them of the changes and proper protocols to take.
Alderman Montoya thanked Public Works for all the changes happening around the town.
14) Motion for Adjournment
Motion by Alderman Rita, second by Alderman Roll to adjourn the regular meeting.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned 8:16 p.m.
https://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-05-23-2023.pdf
Alerts Sign-up